MP suspicious of minister’s dealings CI News Tue 30 Jul 2013 Teenui-Mapumai member of parliament Norman George voiced concerns with Marine Resources Minister Teina Bishop’s recent business dealings yesterday, and called on the Prime Minister to show leadership on the issue. “I find the whole deal rings of suspicion, that the minister had intimidated Luen Thai to save him economic loss,” he said. “The biggest question for the people of the Cook Islands is: If Bishop wasn’t the minister of MMR, would Luen Thai offer the same assistance in business terms to an ordinary Cook Islander from the taro patch?” Bishop has been the subject of scrutiny recently over a business transaction he orchestrated with fishing Huanan Fishery (Cook Islands) Company, and the subsequent issuance of a fishing licence to the firm. The independent member from Atiu reiterated his call for Bishop to step down from his position as minister while an investigation looks into the matter, and also took Prime Minister Henry Puna to task to deal with the allegations levelled against his member of cabinet. “What is critical to all of this is what the PM is doing about it,” said George. “Right now the eyes of the people and electors of the Cook Islands are on the PM, minister Bishop and the Cook Islands Party (CIP).” “The public do not just want the production of invoices and receipts, they want much more than that such as the financial deals behind it all.” George also questioned the connection between Bishop and local businessman Brett Porter by mentioning details he has obtained regarding the sale of the minister’s gas company “Super Gas” to Porter, several weeks ago. “All of these transactions are taking place while the minister holds a senior post in cabinet - Bishop appears to be a part-time cabinet minister and full-time businessman,” said George, who added Bishop’s involvement in the purchase of Samade Beach Bungalows in Aitutaki to his list of the MMR minister’s recent business dealings currently under scrutiny. Emmanuel Samoglou cinew.co.ck
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:49:46 +0000